Another Large Structure Proposed at Hampton Beach

The commercial transformation of Hampton Beach continues this month as two different businesses are seeking approval for projects that would dramatically alter their current structures.

Bernie's Beach Bar and the multi-unit property that includes Al Gauron Deep Sea Fishing and Whale Watching will each seek variances from the Hampton Zoning Board during a meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Donik Corp. is seeking 10 total variances, including a waiver of the 50-foot height restriction, to remove all of the existing buildings on the 1 Ocean Blvd. lot that includes Al Gauron in order to replace them with a four-story, mixed-use building.

The applicants also seek density, setback and parking relief for the proposed building, which would have commercial space on the first floor and four residential units on each of the three upper floors, according to the zoning board's agenda.

The board has seen several tall building requests recently, and variances have been granted for structures above 50 feet tall. The Hampton Planning Board is currently finalizing a town meeting warrant article that would increase that restriction.

The height of the 1 Ocean Blvd. proposal was unknown at the time this article was published.

The Bernie's Beach Bar request, filed by Big Bernie Property Management, LLC on behalf of Bernie's owner Al Fleury, is for approval to expand the northern and southern portions of the outdoor bar's deck.

If approved, the deck would be extended to the 73 Ocean Blvd. business' property lines on those sides of the building.

The zoning board's agenda states this would allow for better table spacing and travel lanes at the business, which has been open for nearly a year since replacing La Bec Rouge. The work would involve placing four support posts just before the northern property line and three posts just before the southern property line.